Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in New York City. There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to watch a holiday show in New York City, check out the many holiday markets to shop for everyone on your list or see the iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree.

Shine Bright at Hudson Yards 
Experience Over 2 Million White Holiday Lights Illuminating all of Hudson Yards. Hudson Yards is the destination for all things festive and bright. Shine Bright at Hudson Yards Presented by Wells Fargo, illuminates the neighborhood with over two million twinkling lights, setting the stage for exciting, holiday activities including ice skating at New York’s highest skating rink at Edge, free photo opportunities with Santa, Santa’s Secret speakeasy, holiday shopping for every budget, festive dining, and much more.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Nothing says “Holidays in New York” quite like a trip skating around the iconic Rockefeller Center Ice Rink underneath the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and Prometheus status. The Rink opened for the season on October 21, 2023 and will be open until March 2025.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The holiday season will begin with the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting in the heart of New York City at Rockefeller Center on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Starting November 30, 2023, the iconic tree will be lit daily from 6am to midnight through mid-January 2025. Don’t miss a visit to this quintessential NYC holiday attraction.

Holiday Chalets 
Enjoy one of the best views of the glittering Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice rink in custom-built heated chalets that are decked out with holiday décor while sipping on seasonal beverages and warm après-skate bites (November 1, 2024 – January 11, 2025).

Holiday Train Show at NYBG
As a favorite holiday tradition in NYC, every year the New York Botanical Gardens puts on an exciting train exhibition. See model trains zip through an enchanting display of more than 190 replicas of New York landmarks, each delightfully re-created from natural materials such as birch bark, lotus pods, and cinnamon sticks (November 16, 2024 – January 20, 2025).

Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Visit the Columbus Circle Holiday Market which is located at Central Park’s southwest corner, to shop from local artisans and designers and pick up something for everyone on your list and don’t forget to grab some delicious eats while you’re there (December 3 – December 31, 2024)

Holiday Magic at The Metropolitan Opera 
There’s no better place to celebrate the holiday season than at the Metropolitan Opera. From family-friendly performances of Mozart’s The Magic Flute to the immersive Holiday Open House to an exhilarating New Year’s Eve new-production premiere, the Met has everything you need to make this a season to remember. Mozart’s The Magic Flute is a timeless fairy tale is a holiday treat for audiences of all ages and brings the charming story and brilliant music to life at The Metropolitan Opera.

New York City Ballet: The Nutcracker
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a ballet that has become a NYC holiday tradition and is performed by the NYC Ballet every year during the holiday season at Lincoln Center. Magical performances, glittering costumes and sets so intricate it will leave you breathless. This annual classic production brings families together every holiday season creating memories and experiences that will last a lifetime (November 29, 2024 – January 4, 2025).

Holidays with the NY Philharmonic
The annual tradition, Holidays with the NY Phil, features free broadcasts of holiday programming. These concerts are family-friendly and will make sure to make your season bright.

The Rink at Brookfield Place 
Tucked away in Lower Manhattan, The Rink at Brookfield Place is known for holiday skating while taking in its scenic views of the waterfront and city skyline.

Washington Square Park Tree 
Framed perfectly inside Washington Square Park’s famous arch, get in the holiday spirt and spread cheer while singing holiday carols and admiring the lit up majestic Christmas tree.

The Shops at Columbus Circle 
Shop till you drop at The Shops at Columbus Circle and get all your holiday shopping done in this one stop shopping destination with over 50 shops and boutiques.

NYSE Christmas Tree 
The NYSE Christmas tree has been a downtown New York tradition since 1923, and is one of New York City’s oldest tree traditions, and is celebrating its 100th year. It is located in front of the New York Stock Exchange at the corner of Wall and Broad Streets.

Carriage Ride in Central Park
Gliding through Central Park on a cozy carriage ride during the winter holidays offers a magical journey amidst the glistening snow.

Tingle Bells at ARTECHOUSE
ARTECHOUSE’s new holiday art experience, Spectacular Factory: “Tingle Bells”, opens on November 21, 2024 through January 5, 2025 at the Chelsea art center.